13 Scream-Worthy Facts About Haiti

Halloween is near and this should give you a good scare.

1. Haiti is #168 out of 187 countries in the UN Human Development Index.

The HDI is a measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development. Haiti is far behind many countries.

2. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 55% of the population living on less than $1 a day.

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What can you buy for $1?

3. More than 1/2 of the population lives in rural areas, living in shacks made of cardboard, rags, and straw with dirt floors.

Vermin- mice, rats, and insects- are almost impossible to keep out and the roofs constantly leak or are blown away during mild windstorms.

4. As of 2013, Haiti's Adult Literacy Rate was at 48.7%

This means that just under half of Haiti's population that is over 15 has the ability to read and write.

5. 49% of children entering 3rd grade are unable to read.

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This holds children back from continuing school later on in life because they fall behind.

6. Less than 30% of children reach 6th grade.

Many children have to take care of their family or do not have enough money to pursue secondary school.

7. Only 50% of people have access to clean drinking water.

Haitians will walk many miles each day to find potable water.

8. In rural areas, only about 20% of people have access to improved sanitation facilities.

This lack of latrines causes the spread of illness, like cholera and other diarrheal diseases.

9. 76 children out of every 1000 births die before their 5th birthday.

Many children's diets lack sufficient calories for them to be able to survive.

10. 24% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, rising to 40% in rural areas.

Some children lose the ability to eat, and at times even cry, because they have such a high protein deficiency.

11. Only about 40% of women have a skilled health personnel with them when they give birth.

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Many of these children and many of these mothers do not make it through labor.

12. 380 women die per 100,000 during pregnancy.

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The U.S. has a maternal mortality rate of 28 deaths per 100,000 women. The lack of access to health facilities in Haiti increases the risk of maternal mortality.

13. Life expectancy in Haiti is 62.7 years.

It is estimated that there are 25 physicians per 100,000 people.

Visit our website for more information on how you can join the Haitian Health Foundation in empowering these incredible people.